Episódios

  • In this insightful episode, Jennifer Ayres sits down with Dr. Partha Ghosh, a renowned strategic problem-solver and leadership expert, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership in the AI-driven world. With over 40 years of experience guiding CEOs across 36 countries, Dr. Ghosh shares his unique perspectives on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the new paradigms of leadership required for future success.

    Dr. Ghosh discusses the key components of leadership that are essential in this era of rapid technological advancement. He explains the importance of moving away from traditional command-and-control models towards a more humanistic approach that emphasizes creativity, intuition, and enlightened synergy. Learn how to cultivate intellectual, spiritual, and physical vectors within your organization to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

    This episode is packed with practical advice for leaders looking to adapt their strategies and foster a culture of innovation, resilience, and positive change. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear from one of the world's foremost thinkers on leadership and strategy.

    0:00 - Introduction and Meet Dr. Partha Ghosh

    1:29 - Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

    4:04 - Enlightened Synergy and the Future of Leadership

    6:13 - Managing AI Disruptions and Organizational Transitions

    10:18 - Preparing Leaders for Change in the AI Era

    16:08 - Workshops on Strategic Management, Innovation, and Leadership

  • In this episode of Ascending Change, host Jennifer Ayres sits down with innovative AI expert Lori Mazor to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing creative problem-solving in the business world. Lori shares her experiences and insights on integrating AI into businesses to enhance creativity and productivity. They discuss her book, Temperature: Creativity in the Age of AI, which examines the powerful role AI can play in driving business success while maintaining a human touch. Lori and Jennifer offer valuable perspectives on balancing structure and space, fostering innovation, and helping organizations thrive amid constant change. Tune in to learn how AI can unlock your workforce's potential and elevate the purpose and meaning of work.

    Lori Mazor's Book: Temperature

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    Use code: SENSCIENT20

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  • Welcome to "Ascending Change," the newly rebranded podcast now aligns closely with our mission to elevate meaning at work and empower conscious leaders to foster positive and sustainable change. This series, we delve into the transformative potential of AI for business good. Join us as we explore how generative AI is set to revolutionize various industries by enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities for human workers. Through engaging discussions, expert insights, and cutting-edge research, we aim to equip leaders with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the AI-induced shifts in the global economy and labor market. Subscribe and follow us on your favorite podcast platforms to catch each episode where we address the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations of AI in business. Let's embark on this journey of change and innovation together.

  • Over season five of the Survive & Thrive podcast, the show has covered various topics necessary for facilitating a healthy and positive workplace culture, including managerial support, community initiatives, navigating inflation, and investing in staff to build a recession-resistant culture in times of economic uncertainty. In covering the importance of these themes, we emphasized the necessity of reimagining work culture and creating one that enables organizations not just to survive but also thrive.

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres concludes the season by revisiting some essential topics covered over recent shows. In addition, she shares the future developments for the podcast, which will take a brief pause in releasing episodes. The show will return with new installments by the end of this summer, and in the meantime will share announcements about upcoming additions to the series. Stay tuned!

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • A healthy workplace culture is vital for a business’s success. However, leadership staff must possess the resources necessary to guide their teams to meet the organization’s objectives. That said, companies can create a positive workplace culture by investing in support for their managerial staff so that they can lead their teams on the path to success.

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses the impact of support for managers and staff on creating a healthy workplace culture. She dives into topics like the need for intentional culture shaping at a team level, the importance of cultural fluency in leadership, and the five hallmarks of a coaching-rich environment. People crave the opportunity to learn and grow, which means investing in training for team leaders and staff members can benefit a workforce team. Jen shares how development programs and learning solutions are necessary investments organizations must make to create coaching-rich environments and foster a healthy workplace environment.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Creating a positive working environment is essential for supporting a team of engaged and productive employees. However, many leaders fail to recognize the importance of uplifting their management staff and providing them with the right resources to facilitate a healthy work culture for all. So how can leaders support their management staff through communication and connection?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares how organizational leaders can uplift their management staff. Within the episode, Jen discusses how practices like maintaining open communication, expressing encouragement, setting realistic expectations, and providing resources to alleviate the symptoms of burnout can help management staff maintain high performance. By creating a culture of productivity and gratitude for management staff, leaders can build a better business model where every member of their organization can thrive.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Incorporating gratitude within your business model can positively impact your company's spirit and work culture. But while giving back to your organization can enhance your team members' connection to purpose within the workplace, connecting your company to the community can also motivate and inspire your employees to further improve your company culture and brand.

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares how organizational leaders can work with their local community to help enhance their culture and build their brand. Today businesses and organizations face more expectations to participate in community initiatives and inspire societal change. In this episode, Jen discusses organizations' critical role in global leadership and how leaders can use this privilege to represent their businesses and build brands successfully. She also discusses ways leaders can begin their community-building journeys, the advantages community outreach can bring to their organization, and the impact and influence of community-based marketing.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • As we face the financial realities of a potential economic recession, many small businesses are beginning to experience the effects of inflation and economic instability. However, company culture is always essential to company success. Businesses can retain a positive work environment and productive employees even during financial hardship. By cutting costs outside their team, small business leaders can still invest in their teams and experience the results of maintaining a solid and collaborative staff.

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares ways that small business leaders can navigate inflation without sacrificing company culture. She highlights the many creative ways that small businesses can handle the effects of inflation and what leaders should consider when laying the groundwork for their companies to thrive long-term. Additionally, Jen explains how adopting new modernized business resources can keep companies afloat. She discusses examples such as incorporating artificial intelligence, hiring independent contractors, networking, utilizing a remote or hybrid work model, and more! So tune in to learn more about these valuable strategies that allow teams to succeed for years to come.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Last week’s podcast episode discussed why facilitating a healthy company culture can make your business more resistant throughout an economic recession. And with a potential recession looming, leaders must act now to support their teams and reach solutions. So, what are some tangible ways for workforce leaders to improve their workplace culture during financial uncertainty?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares cost-effective ways for leaders to support their company culture throughout a recession. A healthy culture can prevent burnout, improve employee morale, and increase productivity even in challenging economic times. Jen explains how encouraging employees to take time off and recognizing their accomplishments shows that you value their contributions. Furthermore, ongoing training, mentorship programs, and promotion opportunities will empower your team and foster a culture of feedback and development. Finally, she explains the benefits of flexible schedules and 4-day workweeks for reducing costs, increasing employee engagement, and supporting a positive workplace culture.

  • Company culture is key to surviving an economic downturn, and with a potential recession on the horizon, leaders must adjust their practices to ensure their teams can thrive. So how can leaders place focus on culture to prime their organization for future success?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses how leaders can support their organizations by creating positive change in their company culture. To ensure business survival during a recession, leaders must focus on the people within the organization and strengthen the connections and culture among the workforce members. Jen discusses this process and provides examples of success stories fueled by positive company culture. By strengthening the unity within the workforce, organizations can thrive and maintain resilience throughout times of uncertainty.

  • Hiring employees with impairments can be advantageous to a business, and according to USA Today, 25% of job seekers and current team members have a disability. So how can organizations practice a human-centric approach to leadership and support all of their staff members to succeed by promoting disability inclusion in the workplace?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses how employees with disabilities can be incredible assets to a company and workplace culture. She explains how leaders can focus on diversity inclusion to improve their organization and company culture. This can involve implementing accommodations for disabled staff members and making inclusivity a core company value. She also explains the benefits of hiring candidates with disabilities, including reduced employee turnover, higher productivity, a healthier work environment, and other advantages.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Work automation technology is gaining popularity across the business landscape and is known for saving people time and work. However, automated technology can also enable organizations to improve their company culture. Automated hiring systems are an example of this, as these solutions can be advantageous in onboarding new staff and building a better company culture among existing staff members.

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares the benefits of automating your hiring process and discusses how this practice can boost your company culture. From reducing the effort of traditional hiring to increasing efficiency in the recruitment process, there are many ways that automation can help companies streamline their onboarding and form stronger connections with their staff. Additionally, listen to the episode to hear more about how AI hiring technology can help leaders create a better company culture through bias-free hiring that supports diversity and inclusion, promotes better communication, and provides other great benefits.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Encouraging a sense of belonging at work among employees can lead to higher retention, engagement, and profits. One way for leaders to achieve this is by leveraging pride. When workers feel connected to their organization’s core values and mission, this pride can drive them to greater success. Therefore by using internal communication to express the company’s vision, leaders can help their team members feel connected to their work, team, and overall organization.

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres speaks on how leaders can cultivate connections between their workers and the organization’s mission. She provides ways that business leaders can communicate their organizational values and intentions to their team members to foster “belonging” within the workplace. In addition, leaders who use their company’s core vision can provide their staff with a sense of purpose, leading to increased productivity and engagement.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • To achieve a sense of belonging within an organization, a person must feel seen, connected, supported, and proud. This can bring many advantages to the organization's success through employee engagement, performance, and other beneficial factors. However, with so many teams now leading remote workers or staff with hybrid schedules cultivating connections among dispersed members isn't always easy. So how can leaders build an environment on connection to create a culture of belonging for their organizational members?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses the importance of "belonging" in the workplace. She goes over the benefits of curating an environment built on connection and how leaders can encourage employees to feel connected within the workplace. In addition, Jennifer explains that leaders can foster belonging for their employees by utilizing bonding opportunities that promote team-building and inclusion.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Every organizational leader is looking for ways to increase their team's motivation, engagement, and overall productivity. But could the missing component to drive workforce success be applying leadership that encourages productivity and achievement through recognition?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres is joined by guest Steve Van Valon, Partner with Concinnity and author of "The Search for Meaning at Work." Steve has built his career working with business leaders to support healthy, high-performance cultures through engaging leadership. Steve and Jennifer discuss how business leaders can influence teams to drive positive culture and organizational success. 

    How Does Recognition at Work Affect the Organization?

    Introducing Steve Van Valen (0:04)

    Jennifer introduces her guest speaker, Steve Van Valen. Steve is a member of the Concinnity leadership team and helps to lead culture offerings and leave significant impacts on organizations that seek guidance on leading a healthy workplace of the future. Steve speaks of his passion for motivating people, managing teams in beneficial work environments and working with people to help shape healthy, high-performance cultures. 

    The emotional impact of progress and purpose (6:11)

    Steve explains his belief that when it comes to purpose, people must multitask to be fulfilled at work. He built upon this idea within his book, where he identifies 11 different amplifiers of meaning that play a part at work. He explains that leaders can clarify organizational purpose for people in many ways and how doing so will enable their team members to derive meaning from it and reveal creative possibilities to lead with purpose. Steve and Jennifer discuss how emotion can drive motivation and can allow people to amplify their sense of purpose at work.

    How progress towards purpose creates meaning (10:40)

    Progress can be measured in many different ways. Steve explains how identifying and gaining clarity in an organization's purpose can help people recognize their progress and achievement. He goes on to discuss how having a sense of purpose at work can dictate whether someone has meaning, as progress toward purpose creates meaning. Engaging people in the workplace can, in turn, lead to progress and fulfillment since people are naturally wired to want to desire to make progress and to feel meaning and a sense of self-satisfaction through their work.

    The importance of loyalty, giving, and taking (15:33)

    People gain a sense of belonging when they are a part of a work team. However, a feeling of loyalty would require them to enjoy benefiting their organization and experience benefits from the company in exchange. According to Steve, this relationship is just one step toward gaining a spiritual sense of meaning from their work. He explains how organizations can foster this sense of meaning, leading to engagement and better performance from their team members.

    How does respect unlock authenticity? (19:49)

    Steve and Jennifer discuss inclusivity, affirmation, and authenticity a lot throughout this interview, and for a good reason. When people connect to a sense of altruism and fulfillment from their work, they become more driven to continue working. Steve explains this and his beliefs that respect unlocks authenticity. He discusses the importance of respect at work and how showing respect and building trust can lead to feelings of psychological safety and promote authenticity.

    Extending trust (23:58)

    Steve's book provides practical steps, suggestions, and actions to help leaders build trust in the workplace using autonomy. For example, providing flexibility within schedules can nurture a sense of respect in the workplace. He explains on the podcast how his book used...

  • Every business leader wishes to see improvements in their organization. Increased productivity and employee retention rates are some examples of positive performance indicators that businesses strive for. But what if the trick to experiencing new signs of positive change in the future starts with displaying gratitude and appreciation today?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she discusses how business leaders can foster gratitude in the workplace. In this show, Jennifer explains how creating a healthy culture from the ground up and incorporating gratitude into your business’ foundation can benefit your organization -- and its members. So tune in to learn how supporting a company culture based on gratitude and employee recognition can do wonders for your organizational success.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Culture is integral to the success of an organization, and leaders should strive to build their businesses with culture in mind. But by reimagining ways to introduce, implement, and facilitate a work culture, leaders can better promote a beneficial culture that enables their organization to persevere and thrive. But what is culture reimagined exactly? 

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she kicks off season five by discussing how leaders can reimagine their work culture to implement positive change within their organizations. She explains why company culture is essential and how leaders should prioritize including positive culture within their business models. Reimagining culture is an action, not a concept, and Jen provides examples of ways that leaders can start from the ground up and rework their approach toward a reimagined culture.

    Links mentioned:

    Concinnity - Website

  • Work Culture defines more than just the organization ‘vibe’, it determines how successful teams will be working together. 

    Work Culture is powerful. Let’s learn to harness it. 

    How do you create a positive impact on work culture? On the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres delves into ways to facilitate change in your organization for conscious work culture and leadership.

    With over 20 years of advising leaders of larger and small organizations on realizing business results leading their teams through change and a healthy work culture, change management and transformation under her belt, Jen co-founded Concinnity to help companies evolve and elevate their leadership and ethics. Now, she shares her expertise with you - here on the Survive & Thrive podcast.

    Through research, guest interviews, and explorations of workplace trends, this show will teach you not just to survive, but to thrive in your career, culture, and company.

  • Welcome back to Survive & Thrive podcast. Are you wondering where we are today? Well, we're doing a lot of work behind the scenes to get ready for our next season. We've had some really interesting feedback over the last four seasons and we're gearing up to bring you some special content in season five. So stay tuned. We'll be returning in early November. And until then, we'll be republishing some of our highlights and featured hits. Ciao!

  • Season four of the Survive & Thrive podcast brought new guest speakers and tackled some essential topics regarding workforce leadership, the ever-changing professional landscape, company culture, and more. But what key concepts should you take away from this season?

    On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres goes through season four of the podcast and reflects on important messages and lessons within the episodes. Jennifer discussed many topics this season and spoke with various experts on everything regarding companies finding success in the future of work. So tune in to hear some of the most influential pieces of knowledge from Survive & Thrive!

    What important knowledge did we cover in Season 4 of Survive & Thrive?

    Flexibility and the Pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic caused many organizational leaders to rethink their operations and allow more flexibility for their workers. Hear Jennifer discuss her interview with Jessica Redford on organizations using technology to become more flexible and meet workforce challenges in 2022.

    Psychological Safety in the Workplace

    Psychological safety is vital for all members of an organization to feel comfortable, confident, and productive. Season four of the podcast featured several interviews on mental health and psychological safety, and Jennifer shares her thoughts on these topics in this episode.

    Mental Health and Avoiding Burnout

    Taking measures to maintain your mental health can help you avoid burnout from workforce stressors. Jennifer shares some knowledge from this season’s episodes about how practices like meditation can help with improving one’s mental health.

    Diversity and Inclusion

    Jennifer’s discussion with Kate Hall covered diversity and inclusion within the workplace and how organizations can make their workspaces more welcoming and humanizing. Hear Jennifer reflect on this and the importance of acceptance and understanding to fuel a positive work environment. 

    Making Work a Safe Space

    Maintaining an inclusive environment can help the members of an organization thrive and accomplish more together. In episodes 34 and 36 of this season, Jennifer discussed inclusivity and fostering a safe and friendly environment in the workplace for disabled and LGBTQ+ members.

    The Importance of Company Culture

    Positive company culture can do wonders for an organization and enable it to survive the challenges that may occur in the future of work. Jennifer reflects on episode 18, where she and her guest, Devin Basinger, spoke on the importance of culture in the workplace.

    Employee Experience

    What does “employee experience” mean, and why is it so important for organizations? Jennifer and guest speaker Jess Podgajny discussed the employee experience, remote work, culture, health, and more in episode 15 of the podcast.  

    Health and Workforce Success

    While mental health is essential for organizational members to thrive, physical health is just as necessary. Jennifer speaks about the importance of physical health and why it matters for workforce success.

    Season Four Final Thoughts

    To wrap up the season, Jennifer shares her main takeaway from these recent episodes of Survive and Thrive.